Biology 122 Spring, 2008

Laboratory 8

Gluteal Region & Posterior Aspect of the Thigh

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this laboratory you should:

1. Understand the arrangement, innervation and function of the gluteal muscles, short external rotators and the hamstring muscles. Be able to demonstrate the characteristic gaits that occur when the gluteus maximus or gluteus minimus and medius are paralyzed.

2. Know the segmental origin, course and distribution of the main nerves associated with the gluteal region. Details concerning the distribution of the sciatic nerve should, at this time, be limited to the thigh.

3. Understand the position of, and be able to name and palpate the bony landmarks of the gluteal region (iliac crest, tubercle of the iliac crest, posterior superior iliac spine, ischial tuberosity, spine of the ischium, greater and lesser sciatic foramina, and the greater trochanter and trochanteric fossa of the femur) and femur proximal to the knee (lesser trochanter, intertrochanteric crest, gluteal tuberosity and linea aspera).

4. Know the position, structure, radiographic anatomy, innervation and blood supply of the hip joint and proximal femur.

PRELAB PREPARATION

1. Read the sections of the textbook on the gluteal and hip regions (pp. 607-631). Review portions of the textbook on the posterior compartment of the thigh. Also read the section of the textbook on the gait cycle (pp. 588-589).

2. Determine the role of the gluteal and hamstring muscles in locomotion and review the role of all the thigh muscles in standing and walking.